Google Pixel 3 could soon be radically challenged by two budget rivals

Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL released on November 1 and bring a number of flagship features to the table that will surely make them appealing to Android fans.

Both devices come with glass rear panels, allowing them to wirelessly charge.

Moreover, bezels on the front of each phone have been radically reduced. Pixel 3 XL in particular comes with an all-screen design that features a notch at the top.

This aesthetic decision in particular has been controversial amongst smartphone enthusiasts.

However, Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL’s headline feature is its camera that is capable of taking gorgeous shots in both day and low-light conditions.

The flagship duo come with a single 12.2-megapixel rear sensor that harnesses the power of Google’s clever machine learning technology.

Although both the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are great phones, receiving four out five stars in Express.co.uk’s review, they do not come cheap.

Pixel 3 starts at £739 while Pixel 3 XL comes in at £869.

However, it appears the smartphone pair could soon be challenged by two budget rivals developed by Google itself.

Back in June, renowned tipster Roland Quandt insisted the Mountain View company was working on a new smartphone running Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 710 chipset.

The 710 is a mid-tier processor compared to the firm’s top-tier Snapdragon 845 that is present in numerous Android flagships.

He said: “Here’s a tidbit for ya: Google is working on a ‘mobile’ device based on the Snapdragon 710 currently scheduled for launch in the 1st half of 2019.

“Sounds like this might be the (or one of them) upcoming mid-range Pixel phone.

“No I do not know if there is one planned for this year.

“No I do not know any specifics in this device, only the CPU. Hardware dev work in this only just started about a month ago.”

Initially it was unknown whether Google would show off a mid-range product alongside the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL during the firm’s hardware showcase on October 9.

However, after no such device was discussed, many have predicted Google will show off a more affordable Pixel device next year.

Android Police recently found two product profiles in Google’s ARCore application it claims could be “two currently unreleased” devices from the American tech giant.

The first was called “Bonito” that is the presumed name given to Google’s “mid-range” Pixel phone, the outlet added.

Meanwhile, the other profile was called “Sargo” and has been linked to other Pixel hardware thanks to its similarly-themed fish codename.

It is worth noting both the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL had the alias’ of Crosshatch and Blueline respectively.

Android Police emphasised that suggesting Bonito and Sargo are both forthcoming Pixel phones is speculation.

However, if both products are smartphones and feature a Snapdragon 710 chipset and forgo other premium functions, it could allow Google to undercut its own Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL devices significantly.